Patellofemoral Pain

Patellofemoral pain is pain at the front of your knee, around or behind the kneecap (patella). It is also known as ‘runner’s knee’, but it can affect anybody. Although the pain can be frustrating, it is not usually a sign of serious damage to the knee and most people improve with the right exercises and activity changes.

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What are the symptoms of patellofemoral pain?

You may notice:

• A dull ache around the kneecap
• Pain when running, squatting or going up or downstairs
• Pain when sitting with your knees bent for long periods
• Pain when getting up from sitting after a long period
• Clicking or grinding sensations may occur but are not usually harmful

What causes it?

Sometimes pain can start after falling onto the knee. However, most of the time there is no specific injury, and symptoms are likely down to a combination of factors.

It is most associated with:

• The start of a new activity (usually physical)
• An increase in the intensity and/or frequency of an existing activity
• A period of reduced activity that leads to weakening of the muscles
• Occupations that require kneeling, sitting, or driving for long periods

Other contributing factors might include:

• Weakness in the buttock and thigh muscles
• Footwear may contribute for some people, particularly if activity levels have recently increased
• Reduced flexibility around the hip and knee
• Being overweight

Patellofemoral pain can take several weeks or months to fully settle. It is common for symptoms to fluctuate, particularly when increasing activity. A temporary increase in pain does not necessarily mean you have caused damage, and gradually increasing activity is an important part of recovery.

Lifestyle factors that influence health

Patellofemoral pain is influenced by more than just the knee itself. Changes in activity levels, muscle strength, sleep, stress, smoking, diabetes and overall health can all affect pain and recovery. Keeping active, strengthening the muscles around the hip and knee, and looking after your general health can help reduce symptoms and improve function. More support with health and lifestyle factors can be found Your Musculoskeletal Health page.